John Francis Ross

John Francis Ross, 70, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with heart disease and, in recent years, cancer. He fought with grit, determination, and strength, truly like a warrior.

John was the beloved son of the late John Harvey Ross and Dorothy Dalrymple Ross. He was born on April 6, 1955, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where he was raised and formed lifelong friendships. As a young man, John attended Culver Military Academy for summer programs and later graduated from Culver for high school. While there, he played snares in the school band and formed a rock band—music being a constant thread throughout his life. When home in Shaker Heights, he was also known to sneak onto the rapid to go downtown Cleveland, where he would sit in and play with local jazz bands, an early sign of both his independence and love for music.

John went on to graduate from the University of Denver. He worked in sales and marketing and then became a marketing executive in the motor sports industry. A field that was just not his profession but one of his lifelong passions. His love for motor sports extended beyond Drag Racing, Indy, and Formula One and the office. He was a Harley Davidson owner who cherished the camaraderie of riding with friends and alongside his wife on numerous rallies. Among his proudest accomplishments was completing the legendary ride to Sturgis, traveling all the way from Bronxville, New York. He became a New York Yankee fan upon moving to New York City and had seasonal seats there for many years. After moving from New York, he enjoyed returning with his family to take in many games over the years. He became a Nascar fan, attending many races with his friends. Upon moving to Charlotte, from New York, he became a Panther seat owner for many years enjoying with his sons and friends.

John found the greatest joy in life’s simple but meaningful moments: listening to music, playing the drums, cheering on the New York Yankees, working on his Harley, watching his sons grow up playing sports and spending time with the people he loved most. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always placing family at the center of everything he did.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Dean Ross.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Tamara Ross; his two sons, Jonathan Ross (Emma Caveness) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Jeffrey Ross (Marissa) of Alpharetta, Georgia; and his cherished grandchildren, Sebastien and Ashton, with another grandchild soon to arrive. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Ross McGuire of Aurora, Ohio, as well as seven nieces and nephews.

John’s legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the great stories he told, the humor he shared. He will be remembered for his passion, loyalty, and the unforgettable presence he brought into every room.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, Huntersville, N.C. on March 29, 2026 from 2-4pm.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services is caring for the Ross family. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.KepnerFH.com